Leaders Are To Keep The Law

We are not to seek honour but service.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Tuesday of 2nd Week of Lent, February 27th, 2024
Texts: Isaiah 1:10.16-20; Psalm 50:8-9,16-17,21,23; Matthew 23:1-12 

Jesus Christ reminds us, today, that to be a leader is not to be above the Law. This is clear when He accused the scribes and the Pharisees thus: “They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger.” Leaders are to keep the law and thus leading by example. Such leaders are responsible and sincere. 

Jesus Christ counsels us not to emulate leaders who live above the law or does not live what they preach. He says, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do”.

Jesus also accused the scribes and Pharisees of love for honour, title and praise. Jesus counsels us not be like them. In His words: But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ.”  

We are not to seek honour but service

Jesus asks us to love service rather than title, honour and praise. In His words: “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” If we humble ourselves to serve, God will honour us. We are not to seek honour but service.

Isaiah also tells us what we should seek instead of honour, title and praise. He says, “Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.” When we seek to be righteous, we will have honour and praise. Hence, the response to today’s Psalm says, “To one whose way is blameless, I will show the salvation of God.” 

Prayer  

Guard your Church, we pray, O Lord, in your unceasing mercy, and, since without you mortal humanity is sure to fall, may we be kept by your constant helps from all harm and directed to all that brings salvation. Amen (Collect) 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke